The zucchini one is especially true this summer, since Nick and I planted some in the garden for the first time. The feeling I get when I’m walking back up our hill with a bucket full of vegetables is incredible.

We grew these. In our yard. On our own, with just earth, seeds, and water.

And then, when I get to the house and see all the zucchini that are still waiting to be used, I remember why everyone is always trying to pass their zucchini to someone else.

But I’m determined to use ours!

I have given a few to some friends and coworkers (before we left on our trip to Honduras), but, for the most part, we’ve eaten or frozen all the zucchini from our garden this year.

Here’s one confession: anytime I’ve tried to make potato gratins in the past has been, well, a little disaster. I either add too much liquid or not enough. Not enough salt or the potatoes are sliced too thick.

Every single time I’ve tried before, something is off just enough that the dish hasn’t come out.

But this time, it did. I’m going to go ahead and say it was because of our fresh zucchini.

Awesome! :) I can’t wait for the season to start!!

Fantastic idea. Must try this!

I love potatoes gratin. I have so many memories of my Mom making them for me as a little girl. She used the boxed Betty Crocker kind, but I’d love to try making a homemade version for her. Thanks for sharing, Brandi! :-)

This looks and sounds amazing! I just fell in love with zucchini for the first time this summer. So happy it’s good for you! :)

I love #3 on your list… work does get in the way of fun during the summer! I think we are all conditioned to think that work and school shouldn’t happen during the summer! And this recipe is right up my alley… I absolutely love zucchini and combining it with cheese sounds delicious… can’t wait to make this!

Yeah for football!!! My husband is already scared at how crazy I am going to be this season :)

So you get more excited about it than your husband? My husband never really watched until we started dating!

oh yeah. i’m a little ridiculous and completely addicted to all things college football from august – january. i actually didn’t watch it at all until after we got married, but now i watch much more than he does.